Actors/actresses: What do you find are the best ways to memorize lines?

Question

Usually I try to just read and memorize, or pace and memorize, but I would like to get more suggestions on how I could learn them faster or what you do to learn them

Answer 1

Most will agree that putting the other character's lines on tape and leaving space for your lines in between is the best way cause you always have someone cueing you.

Answer 2

There are many different great methods that I use. I usually do a combination of these all:

1. Make sure you understand fully the context of the scene, what your charactor wants, and what the lines mean. If it is Shakespeare, you may even want to translate all your lines on another sheet of paper. You can never memorize what you do not understand. Try memorizing a song in Swedish, and you'll know what I mean.

2. If you have a long time, start the first week by simply reading your lines aloud to yourself once or twice a day. Do not skip over the lines inbetween, or you will never learn your cues, but rather read them silently, while you read yours aloud, to distinguish the difference.

3. If you want to learn a certain amount each day, read the first line, aloud, over and over again (some say that pacing while you do this helps) and when you know that line move on to the next saying it over and over again, and when you know that line, add them together and say that several times. It may sound tedious, and it is, but it really teaches it to you.

4. Write them down on a piece of paper, or, if possible, a chalk board. Write down five lines, read them a few times in your handwriting then move on. When you start to learn it you can erase parts.

5. If you are learning a song, listen to the recording of it every morning when you wake up, an every night when you go to sleep.

6. If you can record yourself speaking your lines, great, listen to that all the time.

7. And finally when you have mostly learned them, recite them to your family and\or friends, as actually telling them to someone else is a different experience all together, and will help you put the final touches on your verses.

Answer 3

1. First use a pencil or word processor and write down or type each page of the script (you can also do several pages at a time as opposed to the entire script).

2. Take the page into a quiet room, shut the door, and eliminate all distractions.

3. Look at the first line in your notes and read it out loud. Then, close your eyes and say the line without looking at it.

4. Repeat the step above, this time with the first 2 lines.

5. Next, try it with 3 lines. Then 4. Repeat until you have memorized every line in the script/sides.

After a study session, take a quick nap. New memories are very vulnerable, but studies have shown that sleep helps your new memories stick. After your nap, repeat the memory technique once more for maximum retention.

Answer 4

Practice with a friend. It makes it more entertaining when you mess up because each moment you mess up is memorable and when you put it together on stage, you'll be like, "oh yeah, this is the part where me and so-and-so did this...". Do something that will help you remember it by laughing at it or some other way. =) good luck!

Answer 5

I actually write all my lines down, and then learn them one by one. I don't think it's easier, but it works for me. lol

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Highlighting the your lines helps a lot.

Answer 7

think of them as a song. if u know watfits with wat the next person is sayibng, u'll be okay. like if ur partner is supposed to say "hey whats ur favorite ice cream?" something that would fit woyuld be something with ice cream. then u'd prolly remember like"oh, its strawberry swirl!" lol

Answer 8

nothing.